Ask your group to think of a time that someone was mad at them, but they had no idea why they were angry/upset with them. It may have been with a roommate. A group project member. Even a friend from church. We have all had a time that there was a conflict between you and another individual, but you were not fully aware of why that person was upset with you. If you are willing to share a personal story of this type of instance, it may open up more conversation about similar experiences college students have had in their lives.

Ask some of the following questions to bring about more conversation about how to deal with such experiences.

What was your initial reaction to being made aware that this individual was not happy with you? Did you address the conflict with that individual?

What do you do when someone is upset with you and you have no idea what they are upset about?

Interact with Matthew 5:43-48. Get into small groups of 3 or 4 to discuss these questions. After these questions are discussed have a general conversation with the entire group.

When Jesus says love your enemy, where does that take you to life on your campus? In your community?

Name some tangible ways you can love your enemy.

Decide as a group a way that you can show the love of Christ this week to someone/a group of individuals that could be viewed as an enemy. Plan a time outside of our small group setting to display this love to someone that may be in conflict with you or for who you represent.

We want to hear from you! How will you explore the truths of this session with your small group this week?

The options for young adults for the “When Relationships Collide” unit were written by Mark Whitt. Mark is the Collegiate/Young Adult Specialist and National Collegiate Ministry Leader with LifeWay Christian Resources. Mark spent 17 years working on campuses in Kentucky and Virginia – most recently as campus minister with Baptist Campus Ministry at Murray State University in Murray, KY.